Hopkins will join the cast of the Marvel Comics adaptation to be directed by Kenneth Branagh (Frankenstein).
The actor will play the Norse god Odin, father of Thor and Loki. Thor will be played by Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek), and Tom Hiddleston (Suburban Shootout) will star as Loki. Natalie Portman is also part of the cast, as well as Jane Foster, who will play Thor’s lover.
Thor was initially brought the big screen in the 1960s by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The story follows Donald Blake, a medical student who is oblivious of his true, divine powers. He then discovers the truth when he gets a hold of the hammer, Mjolnir, and learns that he has superpowers, such as flying and controlling thunder and lightning.
In the film, Thor’s character is arrogant and reignites an ancient war. Thus, he is sent to live among men as punishment, and discovers how to be a real hero.
Filming is set to begin in January, and the release date is scheduled for May 20, 2011.
Anthony Hopkins will be sharing the screen with Josh Brolin, Freida Pinto, Naomi Watts and Antonio Banderas in the next Woody Allen’s You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, which does not have a confirmed release date. Hopkins will also star opposite Emily Blunt and Benicio Del Toro in The Wolfman, opening February 10.